Academics and experts gathered at Near East University for the “November 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” event, highlighting the various dimensions of violence against young people and women, and delivered important messages.
Special events will be held at Near East University throughout the week to highlight that violence against women is not an individual problem, but a societal one. The first of the events organized for “November 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” was held by the Department of Midwifery at Near East University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, under the slogan “We Have A Word To Say, We Have the Power to Change.”
The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Atay, Head of the Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM). Bringing together academics and experts from various disciplines, the event presented a multifaceted perspective on combating violence against women.
The opening remarks of the event, which attracted a large turnout, wrere delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı, Head of the Midwifery Department at Near East University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. In her presentation titled “Midwives Defend Women’s Rights,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı emphasized that midwives are advocates not only during birth but throughout every stage of a woman’s life. “Midwives play a crucial role in improving and protecting the health of women and newborns, and therefore in strengthening public health; they are the health professionals who communicate most closely with women and stand closest to them.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı stated that midwives play a critical role in identifying, preventing, and appropriately addressing violence against women, emphasizing the responsibility of health professionals in this area.
Speakers at the event included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, Head of the Eastern Mediterranean University Women’s Research and Education Center, and Songül Aki Akten, Inspector of the General Directorate of Police, who shared some noteworthy information with the attendees.
Danger Signals in Relationships and Vital Steps for Women…
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen, in her presentation titled “Dating Violence”, highlighted how this increasingly prevalent form of violence, particularly among young people, often goes unnoticed. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erbilen emphasized that dating violence manifests not only physically but also in emotional, digital, economic, and social dimensions. She emphasized that situations such as confusing jealousy with love, normalizing controlling behaviors, social isolation, and unauthorized monitoring of communication channels are all dangerous signals. Therefore, she emphasized the importance of empowering young people to set boundaries in relationships, know their rights, and recognize unhealthy behaviors early on. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erbilen stated that raising awareness in educational institutions, families, and the public on this issue will have a critical impact in preventing dating violence.
General Directorate of Police Inspector Songül Aki Akten, in her presentation titled “I Was Violated, What Do I Do?” , comprehensively outlined the legal remedies and safety measures available to women subjected to violence. Akten detailed contact points such as the 155 Police Emergency Line, the 183 Social Support and Combating Violence Hotline, prosecutors’ offices, women’s shelters, and social services units, emphasizing that these processes cannot be made difficult under any circumstances. She also emphasized that protecting victims is a legal obligation and stated that anyone subjected to violence can confidently apply.
